Nahda Capital Partners Files to Register Its First Private Equity Fund from ADGM Targeting $300M
Nahda Capital Partners, a newly established private equity direct investment platform headquartered in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), announced that it has filed this week to register its first private equity fund, marking a key step toward launching its investment activities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The name “Nahda,” meaning renewal, prosperity, and resurgence in Arabic, reflects the firm’s long-term vision of building sustainable partnerships and supporting the development of the region’s real economy, with a strong focus on backing local founders, family businesses, and institutions.
The firm is led by Íñigo de Luna, Founder and Managing Partner, who is developing a private equity investment strategy focused on acquiring controlling stakes in mid-market companies, primarily across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the broader GCC region.
Nahda’s strategy targets strong founder-led and family-owned businesses benefiting from the region’s structural growth momentum and increasing institutionalization of enterprises. The firm particularly seeks companies undergoing generational transitions or those looking to attract institutional capital and operational support to accelerate their next phase of expansion across the GCC.
The founding partners bring extensive international experience in private equity and investment banking, with a historical track record delivering approximately 36% gross internal rate of return across multiple economic cycles.
Key strategic highlights include:
- Majority investments in partnership with founders and family shareholders
- Operational value creation through institutionalization and efficiency improvements
- Strengthening corporate governance frameworks
- Selective expansion through mergers and acquisitions
The firm is expected to focus on sectors including food production and distribution, healthcare, education, and industrial technology.
Nahda’s investment approach is also aligned with Sharia-compliant investment principles, emphasizing real-economy assets, conservative leverage, and disciplined governance.
